Gary P. Nunn to headline Victoria Symphony fundraiser

By ADVOCATE STAFF REPORT
Oct. 4, 2010 at 5:04 a.m.

Other upcoming symphony events:

Oct. 14: "Symphonic Spooktacular" at 6:30 p.m. at the Victoria College Auditorium featuring the Victoria Ballet Theatre and special guests. Tickets are $7 for adults and $5 for children and students. For more information, call 361-576-4500 or go to www.victoriasymphony.com.

Oct. 16: The Master Series 2 concert, "The Rebellious Symphony" featuring guest performer Evan Mitchell on piano, will begin at 8 p.m. at the Victoria College Auditorium. Tickets range in price from $17 to $43 and are available by calling 361-576-4500 or online at www.victoriasymphony.com.

It's not every day a Texas music legend comes to Victoria, let alone a man once hailed as "a Texas music institution" by All Music Guide.

Thursday, however, isn't just another day. Texas icon Gary P. Nunn will perform Thursday at the Victoria Symphony fundraiser, "Party in the Park," according to a news release.

Known as one of the founding fathers of the progressive country movement from Austin in the 1970s, Nunn has been making music continually for four decades. In addition, he also oversees his own record label and song publishing companies, plays almost every weekend at music venues throughout the state and manages his own career, according to the news release. His song, "London Homesick Blues," was the theme for the TV show "Austin City Limits" for almost three decades.

In 2007, he was honored by Gov. Rick Perry as the "The Music Ambassador of Texas" and in 2004, was inducted into the Texas Hall of Fame, according to his bio. He is also a member of the West Texas Walk of Fame in Lubbock.

"The thing I'm proudest of is being a member of the West Texas Walk of Fame in Lubbock with Buddy Holly, Waylon Jennings, Bob Wills and Roy Orbison - guys who were my heroes. To me, that's just the greatest thing," he said in a news release. "And then today, turning on Sirius/XM radio and hearing myself played next to Hank Williams, Hank Thompson, Willie Nelson and Johnny Bush. I'm just so proud and pleased to be there among them."

Opening for Nunn is local band Clay Crockett and the Shotgun Riders.

The show begins at 6:30 p.m. at Fossati's Park on Vine Street and the gates will open at 6 p.m. No coolers will be allowed, however, food and beverages will be available for purchase. Attendees are encouraged to bring their own chairs.

Advance tickets for "Party in the Park" are $20 and $25 at the door. Tickets can be purchased online at www.victoriasymphony.com or at the symphony office, 2112 N. Navarro St. For more information, call 361-576-4500.